Five years ago, Angela was in a terrible car wreck. The accident left her with long-term physical and mental disabilities, and she struggles to get by on hardly any income. A mom of two young children, Angela trusts that they’ll get through this tough time together. In the meantime, she’s grateful that she can turn to her local food shelf for help feeding her family. This is Angela’s story:
“I have two children—Kiosha who’s nine, and Elije who’s two. They are amazing children and I want to give them everything. Sometimes I skip meals so that they can eat, and sometimes the only thing I can afford are noodles. So, we eat noodles all week, even though I know that’s not healthy.
A friend told me about the food pantry. At first, I thought they wouldn’t let me go because I’m not homeless. I was surprised to see that most people there aren’t, however. The food pantry has been a lifesaver. Just today, we didn’t have enough to eat for lunch, but I was able to go to the pantry and now we have enough. They help us every month. It relieves so much of my stress when I’m able to turn to them as utility bills stack up and cupboards run bare. Elije loves going with me to the pantry too. His face lights up when the volunteers offer juice and snacks. Without the pantry, we’d go hungry. The food they provide us often gets us through. I’m so grateful.
I think Kiosha understands a little bit what we’re going through. She’s older, so she knows that it hasn’t always been like this. But I try so hard to hide my struggle and make their lives as normal as possible. I don’t want them to worry. My children are my everything; without them, I don’t know where I would be. I love them, and they love me, and I know what we’ll overcome this hard time together.”
Glenn is one of Vermont Foodbank’s all-star drivers, and for him, work is personal. Having faced hard times himself, Glenn brings empathy and care that resonate with every neighbor he meets. Watching him work, it’s clear—he doesn’t just deliver food. He delivers connection and hope, with a side of humor that lightens the mood and makes every interaction genuine.
As a retired pastry chef, Cindy spends a lot of time trying new recipes, creating edible masterpieces, and baking for just about anyone she encounters. Cindy also volunteers her talents to teach baking classes at Bugbee Senior Center in White River Junction, where she has found a community she values, and that values her in return.
When life took an unexpected turn for a mom in northern Vermont, she got in touch with the Foodbank to help provide her family with nourishing food. With the one-on-one assistance available to help connect her with the food resources that work best for her whole family, she can keep feeding her kids quality food while investing in her community.
